Twenty two Life Lessons from Ramayana by Radhanath Swami

Today (April 5, 2017) is Sri Rama Navami,the auspicious appearance day of Lord Sri Ramachandra. Lord Rama appeared in the month of Chaitra (March – April), on the ninth day of the growing moon (Chaitra Masa, Shukla Paksha, Navami Tithi).

Sri Ramachandra appeared as the son of Dasharatha, the king of Ayodhya, who hailed from the dynasty of Maharaja Ikshvaku (also known as Raghu vamsha).

 

Sita,Ram,Lakshman, Hanuman at Bhaktivedanta Manor,Hertfordshire UK.

Below lessons are extracted from a talk given by Radhanath Swami.

*Power of Bad Association*: It was a known fact in Ayodhya that Kaikeyi loved Lord Rama more than his own son Bharath, then how could she become so evil. It is by her bad association with Mantara.

*Attachment to service & not to the position*: Lord Ram was willing to become the king as a service to Maharaj Dasarath and He was willing to go to the forest as a service to His father.

*Mission of Life should be to vanquish the demoniac tendencies in our heart:* Lord Ram’s purpose to kill the demons was fulfilled by His banishment to the forest.

*Even extreme reversals if taken in the proper spirit will help us fulfill our mission in life:* For example, Law of gravity is only in effect in the Earth’s sphere and not beyond. So also, Laws of material nature act only in material consciousness not in spiritual consciousness.

*Ram or Aaram(Hindi word for rest), A test for every seeker*: Citizens of Ayodhya wanted to go with Lord Ram to forest and leave behind all the comforts (Aaram) of the City Ayodhya.

*Alertness in Spiritual Life*: Lord Ram leaves Ayodhyavasis when they were asleep. If one is inattentive or lazy, one will loose taste in Bhakti.

Sita, Ram, Lakshman at Bhadrachalam, Telangana, India.

*(Sometimes) Saintly persons might cause pain to others, not to hurt them but benefit them:* Bharat disowns Kaikeyi, or Prahlad disregards Hiranyakashipu, a Doctor may cause pain (operation) to patient to cure him. Goal is to please the Lord: For Bharat, he wanted to stay in the forest that was easier than to return and rule the Kingdom but he did it to please Lord Ram.

*Lord is the Proprietor*: Bhoktaram Yajna tapasam (Bhagavad Gita 5.29). Bharat was ruling the kingdom on Lord Ram’s behalf by keeping the Paduka’s (Footwear of Lord Rama) on the Throne. We are only caretakers, He is the real proprietor, and He can give and take away. The Caretaker acts according to the will of the owner.

*Anybody can make a show of greatness*: The reversals test us who we are. When Lakshmana cuts Surpanaka’s nose, gone was the charming form, gone was the facade and then the real ugly form manifested. One’s greatness is tested by one’s ability to tolerate provoking situations.

*Bhakti (Sita) cannot be achieved by Deception:* Ravana wanted to kidnap Sitadevi by deception, but he gets Maya-Sita at the end. Greed and lust are never satiated, they lead to arrogance and envy.Attachments can creates traps and make us suffer: Marichi takes up a golden dear form to which Sitadevi developed deep attachment to have it and thus trapped Sitadevi. We should see the substance through the eyes of the scripture. Marichi was all about false promises. For example, spider web is most attractive to the fly but actually, it is a trap.

*Maya knows our weaknesses:* She can make our strength into weaknesses and take us away from the circle of instructions of great souls. Ravana uses Sitadevi’s jnana attitude to serve great souls to disobey Lakshmana.

*Always stand by the Right*: Jatayu’s integrity. Real success is to please the Lord. Jatayu lost his life fighting for Lord Ram but achieved the purpose of Life to please the Lord. It is better to lose & win than to win & lose.

*Patience, Determination & Enthusiasm*: Example of Shabari. Long time ago, Guru had asked her to wait for Lord Ram while all other disciples and Guru himself went back to Godhead. She showed her enthusiasm by working hard every day to clean the place, plucking flowers & fruits for the Lord. She had complete faith in the words of Guru and patiently waited with determination.

*The Lord reveals only when He wants. Honesty, we cannot put a facade before the Lord:* Hanumanji disguises when he went to meet Lord Ram. Lord knows within who we are, we have to be honest to receive the mercy of the Lord. Lord Ram did not speak to Hanuman for four months.

*Obstacles on the path of Bhakti*: The demons who came to stop Hanuman during his jumping across the ocean. Mainaka (Gold Mountain) - temptation to seek comfort before achieving our real purpose. Simhika (Shadow catching demoness) - While striving for Bhakti, people will chastise, criticize and misunderstand us, we should have the willingness to tolerate. Surasa (Serpent): Being envious of people in higher position and try to stop their progress. This is jealousy of the mind. By devotional service, we have to devour Simhika who represents Envy.

*Arrogance cannot understand well-wishers: The world is a mirror of our own consciousness. Ravana was thinking Mandodari was envious of Sita, but actually, he was envious of Lord Ram. Ravana was thinking Vibhisana was disloyal and taking the side of Lord Ram, but he was disloyal to Kubera, his cousin brother. When we think we know, we are not willing to listen to good counsel. Spiritual progress means simplicity and humility. If they are lacking, we will not listen thinking that we know better, that was Ravana.

*Big or Small, we can swim the ocean of Samsara by chanting Lord Ram’s holy name*: Big or Small, all the stones floated by writing Lord Ram’s name.Pride or Attachment leads to loss of intelligence: dhyayato visayan pumsah (Bhagavad Gita 2.62). Ravana exhibited every stage of this sloka. Loss of intelligence - Even when all his stalwart warriors including Kumbakarna, Indrajit died but he still did not give up.

*Hearing about the Lord - Revival of dormant love:* Lord Ram being Paramatma in the heart of everyone including Ravana could have killed him just by turning off Ravana’s heart. However, the Lord and His pleasure potency Sitadevi went through this whole ordeal so that we can hear about the Lord and revive our dormant love.

*Righteousness*: Vibhishana comes to take shelter of Lord Ram, all the monkeys were against, except Hanumanji. Vibhishana was willing to be misunderstood or even chastised to surrender to the Lord.

*Counsel and Advise in battle against Illusion*: In battle against Illusion, at every stage association of devotees to put us straight without which we will fall. Lord Ram does not need but takes the counsel of Vibhishana.

*Grace of a Sadhu needed to kill demons within* Agastya muni had given a divine arrow to Lord Ram. That arrow was used by Lord Ram to kill Ravan by piercing his heart.

*Welcoming the Lord in hearts with lamps*: That is Dipavali festival. Lord Ram is welcomed back into Ayodhya with lamps. Dipavali is not just physical fire but lighting the hearts with light of Lord’s grace and process of devotional service. When heart is fully illuminated, then we can experience Lord Ram within ourselves. When our love awakens. Then Ramrajya is awakened within the heart and then without (i.e. out in the world). Jai Shree Ram!

Happiness Event at The University of Melbourne

Happiness Event

The place was almost full with students, working professionals from the University of Melbourne. I was taken back, as I opened the main door of Sidney Myer Asia Centre.  The atmosphere was abuzz with people talking to each other. Light refreshments of Snacks and drinks were being served on few tables, and there are people everywhere. The Lecture hall is going to be full, I thought to myself. I can already see at least 250 plus in the foyer, waiting for the talk to begin.

On 2^nd of March, I attended this event called ‘Happiness Event ‘and the talk titled as ‘Hiding in Unnatural Happiness’, was organised by UniMelb Bhakti Yoga Club. The speaker of the talk, Devamrita Swami, a Graduate of famous Yale University is an international speaker, author and monk. I was told that he travels all around the world like, USA, UK, New Zealand,Russia,India, delivering speeches to students in from institutions like, Stanford, Yale University, IIM and IIT's in India.

I looked around and saw few familiar faces, Students and some of my Colleagues and University staff. How many people does the hall accommodate- I asked one of the event organizers wearing a T-Shirt with the logo of the Bhakti Yoga Club. The seating capacity is 500- was the reply I got. I thought, it must be enough for the crowd that's expected to come.

Meanwhile, Devamrita Swami arrived. Walking with one of the event organizers, he looked calm, composed, knowledgeable and contented.

Happiness Event - House full Crowd

The event began shortly with a short intro speech by one of the organizers and followed by a blissful music and chanting of Hare Krishna Mantra, accompanied by traditional instruments like, Hand Cymbals, Mrudanga and Harmonium. The crowd by then were quickly seated. The response was very positive and immediately the atmosphere became blissful. It is an amazing experience to see so many sincere, inquisitive Souls wanting to know more about real happiness and spirituality.

After the short Kirtan and intro speech, Devamrita Swami started talking. He began by talking about Happiness and what it means to people. He posed some thought provoking questions to the audience by asking 'What is your definition of Happiness?. Is it some jolt to your Psychology?, is it something physical found in relationships?  a moment that comes and goes so quickly, or a sheer sensuality?.

Devamrita Swami quoted, Nietzsche a German Philosopher, who said that Happiness is when your power and controls are expanding and the obstacles are removed. Or may be happiness is the good old consumerism, which is possessing objects like latest mobile or other electronic gadgets.

Devamrita Swami further explained that happiness these days had become such a mystery because it has become associated few myths. The very word myth is generally, ascribed to something primitive. But, there are myths that pervade every aspect of western society and the rest of world is imitating western society. What are those myths that are instinctively bound up with so called progressive society?

Devamrita Swami

 1. Money brings happiness: -  Though people deny the role of money, it plays an important role in relationships and family life. Some of the popular sayings are, 'Romance without finance is a nuisance' or 'Marry the money, love comes later'or 'Follow the money trail'. There is no denying the fact that Money dominates our lives in a major way. Remember the childhood days of playing Musical chairs. And, when the music stopped and you are the one who had no chair? That feels so terrible. Although, there is a recent Sociological research, which concluded that beyond certain middle class levels of income providing the basic necessities, increase of wealth does not correspond to an increase in happiness,yet people are still not ready to stick with the middle class income and everyone is after earning more money and acquiring assets.

Happiness Event - Happy Crowd after the session

2. Technology brings well-being: Today we see many of the powerful nation’s going for nuclear weapons.It is estimated that as of today, there are about 15,000 Nuclear weapons possessed by all nations put together. And, if only few of them go off, it is predicted that the climate of earth will change so drastically that is never hear of. And, what about millions and billions of dollars that is spent on these programs? And, where does the money come from, other than the tax payers? Something has gone drastically wrong.And, what about common, day to day technology that is supposed to bring happiness?. Proliferation of smart phones and social media created more loneliness and depression. Can you imagine, what goes on in the minds of your friend’s minds, when you post selfies?. They can simply makes them feel isolated and depressed.What we are noticing is that, today’s technology is making it very difficult to develop a wholesome relationship.

3. Weapons bring security: - Today, the world is witnessing a huge stockpiles of weapons, nuclear arsenal.And, political leaders proclaim that they need them to protect peoples freedom, security etc.But, again where does Money comes from and where is the security? . In our technologically-driven society, an alarming number of people are afflicted by stress, anxiety and depression.

 4. Earth provides limitless resources for exploitation and,

 5. Earth provides unlimited space for used resources: - The Global Footprint Network found that the rate humanity is using the earth's resources, it would take about 1.6 Earths to provide resources. And by the year 2050, there may be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

Devamrita Swami giving the talk - Happiness Event

Devamrita Swami continued by saying that, Can there be something known as sustainable happiness, that does not jeopardize other human beings, environment, future generations, other living creatures?. Why Human beings should live in such a way that the future generations of humans and other life forms and the environment are affected?. As per the View point of ancient knowledge of India, Bhakti yoga text, the yoga of ultimate connection, Bhagavad Gita begins with the message that we living beings are different from the material body and mind. As explained by Krishna in beginning of Bhagavad Gita, just like you change clothes, a human being changes its bodies. By considering falsely that we are this material body,a mistaken identity and trying to be that we are not, is causing a havoc in the world. Of course, although we are not the body, still as long as we are in this body,we do need to take care of the body. Real gift of this ancient science is the understanding that how we are different from matter and that our needs cannot be satisfied by anything material.Thus,someone who is intelligent understands that this human life is meant for connecting with Supreme ultimate non-material reality. And, even if a small section of society takes up this-understanding, it can make a profound effect in the world peace.

Devamrita Swami further explained that, bhakti yoga is about “connecting to the Ultimate Source; Krishna in pure love.” It is through such spiritual contemplation that people will be equipped to address the larger issues that affect both current culture and the future of the planet. Such issues are so complexly intertwined that they seemingly cannot be addressed by the current institutions in place. “Humans, are left defenseless against the ravages of consumer society.”

Happiness Event - Enjoying the Kirtan, Mantra Music

Striving for personal satisfaction with a misdirected importance on material things, Devamrita Swami explained that humans have “become the first species to destroy its own environment.” By misplacing meaning in the material, people have neglected to seek the significance in their spiritual selves. Only by expanding the understanding of immateriality can civilization decrease its impact on the planet. Material happiness, is “temporary and shadowy.” It cannot truly be grasped and it cannot satisfy human beings. “Humans beings were made for more than that.”

Devamrita Swami signing his newly published book 'Hiding in Unnatural Happiness' for keen students

It is with Krishna consciousness that Devamrita Swami feels, people can rise above basic desires and develop the mindfulness necessary to see oneself in relation to all living entities. 

Using bhakti yoga as “applied spiritual technology,” Devamrita Swami believes that humanity can find enlightenment, real happiness and bring about peace in the world by making progress in reconnecting with the Supreme Reality and pursuing the topmost knowledge which is least destructive for the environment and future generations.

Finally, Devamrita Swami concluded by saying that, we have been hiding in the unnatural happiness too long. We have neglected, like a foolish deer the water that is right in front of our eyes.Like the deer sight which is obscured by grass, we are racing into the desert of materialism looking for happiness. It’s not working politically, environmentally and we are all seeing this. I ask you to give a fair go, try, experiment this non-material solution offered by the ancient Vedic wisdom and even if small amount of people take up, this will result in the extraordinary transformation of individual and collective consciousness and welfare of the world, people, society, other living beings and the environment.

Devamrita Swami signing his newly published book 'Hiding in Unnatural Happiness' 

The audience were spell bound and the talk contained much more wisdom and practical insights into the problems the people and world facing today and the solution is simple, timeless wisdom contained in the Vedic books like, Srimad Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavatam. Much more had been said and unfortunately, I could not recollect the whole thin speech. Finally, there was a great applause for the wonderful talk by Devamrita Swami followed by few questions and wonderful answers by Devamrita Swami.

Delicious, Yummy Vegetarian Dinner ready

After the class, a wonderful dinner vegetarian feast served by the organisers. Overall, it had been a highly uplifting and amazing experience. As expressed by the students who attended the talk, it was quite interesting, thought provoking, useful and motivational speech. Some of the youth, who had been interviewed expressed their satisfaction, amazement on the way, Devamrita Swami spoke about the current world and the spiritual solutions to the problems of today’s world and how to be happy. I have noticed that the whole theater was completely packed, there are many people standing at the back, sitting on the floor and some even taking down notes. My guess is that, at-least 550 to 600 people must have attended the talk.  

The Three Things in Life

Here is an interesting forward that I received. People might disagree on the priority or order of these things but, the essence is the same which is to think in certain direction that expands your consciousness and instead of always thinking about yourself, think about what you can do for others. Don't take life for granted and spending time, money and energy uselessly.

3 things in life that never come back when gone: 

Time, Words and Opportunity

3 things in life that should never be lost:

Peace, Hope and Honesty.

3 things in life that are most valuable:

Love, Faith and Prayer.

3 things that make a person:

Hard work, Sincerity, and Commitment.

3 things that can destroy a person:

Lust,Pride and Anger

3 things in life that are constant:

Change, Death and God.

3 people who love you and who will never leave you alone:

God, Attitude and Prayer.

I also asked God for these three things for all of you:

To bless you, to guide you and To ALWAYS protect you.

Maha Shivaratri - the great night of Shiva

Gopeshwara Mahadev - Vrindavan

Shiva Linga at Rajapur Jagannath Temple, Bamapampukur West Bengal

Today is Maha Shivaratri, a festival celebrated by Hindus and worshipers of Lord Shiva in India and all over the world.In Srimad Bhagavatham, there is a description of an incident which was churning of the Milk ocean called Samudra Madhana, where the ocean was churned using a huge Mountain called Mandara by demigods and demons.The same incident is mentioned in Mahabharata and Vishnu Purana.The churning of ocean was undertaken to unearth the Amruta or the Nectar of immortality.The great snake Vasuki was used as a rope to coil around Mandhara mountain, which was being used as a churning rod.As a result of the churning the ocean initially, a deadly poison called Halahala was released which looked as if it is going to destroy the whole world.During that time, to save the world and the living entities, Lord Shiva drank the whole poison and kept it in his throat. Due to which, his throat had became blue and hence, he became known as Neelakantha or the Blue throated one.Maha Shivaratri is considered to be the night on which Lord Shiva drank the poison and to glorify Shiva, people celebrate this night by offering prayers to Lord Shiva, reciting Rudram, performing abhishek to the Shiva Linga with sacred water, flowers, coconut water etc. One more austerity people would take up is, staying awake all night, reading or praying to Lord Shiva.

  

Shivji at Dhruv Tila, Madhuvan, Vrindavan

It is said that out of the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, Shiva is in charge of mode of Ignorance or ahankara or the false ego that binds one to the bodily concept of life which in turn binds to the cycle of Birth and death.

Aseshwar Mahadev near Nandagaon, Vrindavan

Aseshwar Mahadev near Nandagaon, Vrindavan

Srimad Bhagavatham mentions that, Lord Shiva is the greatest of all Vaishnavas (Vaishnavanam Yatha Shambu), one of the 12 Mahajanas and the position of him unique in the sense that Lord Shiva does not belong to the Category of living entities, Jivas including Lord Brahma and his creation and is the most powerful, second only to Lord Vishnu. Lord Shiva is neither an avatara nor avesha and is also not in between them. Lord Shiva is the greatest demigod, even greater than Lord Brahma. He is also a spiritual master having his own spiritual line called Rudra Sampradaya.Lord Shiva has connection with the material nature but Lord Vishnu (or Lord Krishna) is transcendental to material nature. The position of Lord Shiva is very beautiful explained in Brahma Samhita (Verse 45),”Just as milk is transformed into curd by the action of acids, but yet the effect curd is neither same as, nor different from, its cause, viz., milk, so I adore the primeval Lord Govinda of whom the state of Shambhu is a transformation for the performance of the work of destruction”. Thus, Lord Shiva who is in charge of mode of ignorance has connection with the material energy. Parvathi or Durga who is in charge of material energy is his wife. Lord Shiva along with Ramadevi carries the glance of Maha Vishu to the Mahat Tattva for it, to be agitated. Mahat Tattva is the or shadow of pure consciousness, is the germinating place of all creation or prakriti, material world, including all the living entities in it.

One day a friend of mine came to me and said the smoking grass should be made legal because, that is what some followers of Shiva in north India do. Then, I told him that the reason that Lord Siva drank an ocean of poison was for others' benefit.Some foolish people try to imitate this pastime but, instead of drinking poison, they take ganza and opium, which certainly ruins their physical and spiritual life. Why only smoking grass, I suggested him to try drinking few drops of poison because, that what Lord Shiva did. And, he hastily left the place without saying anything.

During my travels to Vrindavan and Mayapur, I visited many temples of Lord Shiva and thought, I will post some of the pictures here today.

Internet and Human Relationships

Jagannath Ratha Yatra procession 2 weeks ago at St Kilda Festival

These days, You would find this happening everywhere. Humans being replaced by the self serve machines and systems. There is a Common wealth bank branch that’s opened in Melbourne CBD. No humans, only self serve machines. Go to a Fuel station and you don’t need to go in to pay. Just pay from where you are filling your fuel. And, there is even a TV that’s being played, so that you don’t get bored while filling your fuel. And, of course everyone has a smart phone these days that eliminates the need to even look at the person sitting right in front of you in a Tram or Train. And, all those online shopping and sales stuff. Don’t need to keep your feet out of your flat or Home. Time for a reality check. Do we all really ant all the Humans replaced by machines and internet?. What is the use of internet, if it is bringing someone thousands of miles away closer to you but, making you to ignore someone right in front of you?. 

I had spent an hour in the bank with my dad, as he had to transfer some money.  I couldn't resist myself & asked...

''Dad, why don't we activate your internet banking?''

''Why would I do that?''

He asked...

''Well, then you wont have to spend an hour here for things like transfer.

You can even do your shopping online. Everything will be so easy!''

I was so excited about initiating him into the world of Net banking.

He asked ''If I do that, I wont have to step out of the house?

''Yes, yes''! I said. I told him how even grocery can be delivered at door now and how amazon delivers everything!

His answer left me tongue-tied.

He said ''Since I entered this bank today, I have met four of my friends, I have chatted a while with the staff who know me very well by now.

You know I m alone...

 this is the company that I need. I like to get ready and come to the bank. I have enough time, it is the physical touch that I crave.

 Two years back I got sick, The store owner  from whom I buy fruits, came to see me and sat by my bedside and cried.

When u r Mom fell down few days back while on her morning walk. Our local grocer saw her and immediately got his car to rush her home as he knows where I live.

Would I have that 'human' touch if everything became online?

Why would I want everything delivered to me and force me to interact with just my computer?

I like to know the person that I'm dealing with and not just the 'seller' . It creates bonds. Relationships.

Does Amazon deliver all this as well?'''

 An awesome forward msg I came across in my WhatsApp

👆👆👌👌

Technology isn' t life .. 

Spend time with people .. Not with devices.👍

Ekachakra Dham Yatra

One of the places, I visited with my family during my recent trip to India is a holy place called Ekachakra which is a small village, located 20 km away from the town of Rampurhat in the Birbhum District of West Bengal.I along with my family travelled from ISKCON Mayapur by taxi and it is about 165 KMs from there.Took us a good 4 to 4.5 hrs time. The road journey was bit austere but that’s OK. I was told that compared to before, the road is much better now. This small village has a historical significance for couple of reasons. Firstly, the five Pandavas during their exile stayed here. And, this is where Bheema fought with the demon called Bakasura and killed him.

Secondly, this is the place where, during the Mahabharata war,  the wheel thrown by Krishna fell. “EKA” means one and “CHAKRA” means wheel; thus this place is named as“Ekachakra”.

ISKCON Temple at Ekachakra

Why did Krishna lift a Chariot wheel as
to use as a weapon in Mahabharata War?.

On the ninth day of the Mahabharata war, Lord Krishna notices that the valor and strength of Bhishma is increasing and where as Arjuna was becoming hesitant in fighting against his beloved Grand father. Thus, even though Krishna took a vow before the war that he will not lift or touch any weapon,yet he jumps from the chariot, picks up a Chariot wheel, charges towards Bhishma to kill him. Some of the  reasons are to uphold  the Dharma, protect his devotee, also to uphold a vow his another devotee Bhishma took (took a vow that he would make Krishna take up arms at least once in the war.) And, Krishna goes on to attack Bhishma with the a Chariot Wheel. Bhishma also understood that Krishna is staging an act just to uphold his  vow, and lays down his arms and submits to Krishna to kill him. Then Arjun falls on the feet of Krishna to not break his vow and Krishna becomes pacified, throws away the Chariot Wheel and goes back.

Also, Ekachakra is the birthplace of Lord Nityananda who according to Gaudiya-Vaishnava tradition called as ‘Nitai’ - 'Sri Nityananda', 'PrabhuNityananda' or 'Nityananda Rama' is an incarnation of Balarama, with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu being his eternal brother and friend, Krishna.

Sri Nityananda Pranam Mantra:-

Nityanandam aham naumi, sarvananda-karam param;

Hari nama Pradam-devam, Avadhuta-shiromanim

("I bow down to the Supreme Lord Nityananda Prabhu, the crest jewel of all avadhutas, who gives the topmost ecstatic bliss to all by freely distributing the Holy names of Krishna")

We have visited few places connected with the childhood pastimes of Nityananda.

ISKCON Temple: This was our first destination and the temple architecture and atmosphere was amazing with beautiful presiding deities Gaur Nitai and Radha Krishna.The temple hall was aesthetically designed by wonderful painting of pastimes of Krishna. The temple had a ample place in the ground floor for serving breakfast and lunch for visiting devotees.We had our breakfast here and proceeded to see other places.

Deities - ISKCON Temple  Ekachakra

From here, we proceeded to the pandava tala, which is a short 10 mins walk from here.

Pandavatala: This is where the Pandavas lived here with their mother, Kunti, when they were exiled to the forest. This area is bordered by several Keli-kadamba trees. There is a temple with beautiful deities of Sri Sri Radha Krsna.

From here, we went to the birthplace of Lord Nityananda where even today, you can see Garbhavas (Sootika Mandir),  The exact spot where Lord Nityananda appeared. There is also a small pond, a Banyan tree where Baby Nityananda used to play with his friends.In these premises, there is a nice temple.In the main altar of the Temple is a deity of Lord Nityananda, a deity of Mahaprabhu to His left and a deity of Advaita Acarya to his right.

Bankim Raya Temple: On the altar of this temple is Lord Krishna as Bankima Raya, who was originally established by Lord Nityananda. It is said that Lord Nityananda left this planet by entering into this Deity.

Jagannath Temple: Again, this is a nice temple apparently the deities of Jagannath, Baladev, Subhadra are manifested by Lord Nityananda to fulfil the desire of his parents to visit the Holy Dham Jagannatha Puri.

There are few places, we have missed and could not visit due to the lack of time which are,

Kadam Khandi: Is the spot where Lord Nityananda recovered the Bankima Raya Deity from the Yamuna river. There’s a small Temple here with Deities of Sri Gaur Nityananda, Krishna Balarama and Sadbhuja Gauranga.

Kundalal tala: This is the place where Lord Nityananda used his earring to block a hole, thereby preventing a snake which lived in it from coming out and troubling the residents of this area.

Mouresvara Shiva Temple: This is an ancient Shiva temple where Sri Hadai Pandita (father of Nityananda prabhu) performed worship. On the appearance of Nityananda in Ekachakra, this deity roared and Advaita Acharya and other devotees could hear and understand the roar’s meaning at their residences in Mayapur and Santipur that an Avadhuta had appeared on Earth.

ISKCON Temple at Ekachakra

Pandavatala: This is where the Pandavas lived here with their mother, Kunti, when they were exiled to the forest. This area is bordered by several Keli-kadamba trees. There is a temple with beautiful deities of Sri Sri Radha Krsna.

Pandavatala

Radha Krishna Deities at Pandavatala

From here, we went to the birthplace of Lord Nityananda where even today, you can see Garbhavas (Sootika Mandir),  The exact spot where Lord Nityananda appeared. There is also a small pond, a Banyan tree where Baby Nityananda used to play with his friends.In these premises, there is a nice temple.In the main altar of the Temple is a deity of Lord Nityananda, a deity of Mahaprabhu to His left and a deity of Advaita Acarya to his right.

Bankim Raya Temple: On the altar of this temple is Lord Krishna as Bankima Raya, who was originally established by Lord Nityananda. It is said that Lord Nityananda left this planet by entering into this Deity.

Jagannath Temple: Again, this is a nice temple apparently the deities of Jagannath, Baladev, Subhadra are manifested by Lord Nityananda to fulfil the desire of his parents to visit the Holy Dham Jagannatha Puri.

There are few places, we have missed and could not visit due to the lack of time.

Asking for Money by blocking the way.I din't mind.They are happy with a 10 rupee note

Overall, its a wonderful and pleasant experience of visiting the Ekachakra Dham.I liked the 
peace and tranquility of the place, not yet urbanised.You can have the strong spiritual vibrations of Lord Nityananda. I bought some photographs of the Original paintings of Lord Nityananda but, they have mysteriously disappeared and I am trying to find them, looking at all the Luggage and suitcases.Also, the breakfast and lunch at ISKCON was sumptuous and tasty.A must visit place for all the spiritualists.And, I forgot to mention, I read a board some where in Ekachakra to write the name of Nitai in the air and the merciful lord depending on your level of faith, fulfills your desires, purifies your heart, makes his presence felt, flows his mercy. After-all, Lord Nityananda Balaram is said to be the Kali Yuga Avatar of the savior of the most fallen.

Chinese New Year 2017

Happened to witness these Dragons and spectacular costumes on the eve of Chinese new year celebrations at the Footscray Vegetable Market. Also called as the spring festivals, it is one of the important festivals of China and many of the people of Chinese origin, all around the world. So this year 2017 is called as the year of the Rooster and January 28^th is the first day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. So there was traditional Chinese Music being played which I think are Cymbals and the each of Dragon I saw consisted of 4 persons, walking and dancing to the rhythmic sound of Cymbals. And there were others dressed in the traditional Chinese attire accompanying the two Dragons that I saw, a Yellow and a Red one. Surely, the Dragons changed the usually busy and business market place to that of fun and frolic.